The Magic of Disney
Animation
FUN AND
EDUCATING ANIMATION STUDIO TOUR WITH SIT DOWN SHORT FILMS
Initial short
film explaining animation, then tour walks
past Disney animators' workspaces, where guests can peek in and watch
animators at work at their computers and drawing boards....then concludes
with another short film montage....
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After winding your way through corridors
decorated with animation sketches of some of Disney's most popular movies,
you enter the theater to watch a short film featuring Robin Williams
as a tourist and Walter Cronkite, who attempts to explain how animation
is created. After Robin is converted into an animated Lost Boy and plays
with Peter Pan, you'll meet a Disney animator who shares some animation
basics and does a few quick sketches, then allows for a brief question-and-answer
session. The tour guide then moves your group on past the animators'
workspaces, where guests can peek in and watch animators at work at
their computers and drawing boards. You may also catch a few quick glimpses
of whatever the newest project is - currently there is artwork and signage
for "The Emperor's New Groove" and the upcoming "John
Henry." The tour concludes with another short film montage, featuring
many Disney films and the people who animated them.
Animation Gallery - On display are copies of the Academy Awards won
by Disney animators, along with drawing from famous films. Animation
cels, books, and other collectibles are also for sale here.
The
Magic of Disney Animation is a 35-minute guided tour with several segments.
It begins with a delightful short film called "Back to Neverland,"
with Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams. This is followed by a 7-minute
live lecture and demonstration by a Disney animator. Next is a walking
tour, during which you can see animators at work, and view storyboards
and concept art for upcoming animated movies. Finally, after a short
film in which the animators talk about their art, guests see a compilation
of classic Disney animated film clips.
The Magic of Disney Animation is a fascinating tour through a real working
animation studio. The 45-minute tour starts in a room where duplicates
of 12 of the many oscars won by Disney are on display. Also in the room
are pictures of classic and upcoming Disney animated films. Next, guests
enter a small theatre for a humorous movie about how animated films
are produced. The movie is hosted by Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams,
and is one of the best parts of the tour. After the short film, guests
proceed on to the main studio, where large windows give views of the
many features of the studio. Everything from the animators desks, with
their many lamps, to the camera which transforms over 120,000 drawings
into a film. As you walk along, your tour guide explains what you're
seeing at every step. Near the end of the tour, a Disney animator demonstrates
how to draw a Disney character and answers any animation questions you
have. The finale of the tour is a short film montage of great Disney
animation. It is best to visit this attraction on weekdays from the
morning until early evening, because that is when the animators are
at work.
INTRODUCTION
Walk under the archway to the right of the Chinese Theater and turn
right into the Animation Courtyard to find the building that houses
The Magic of Disney Animation, a 35-minute guided tour. If you're intrigued
by what makes things tick, then you'll appreciate this tour, which lets
you see up close how Disney animation comes to life. You'll have a chance
to peek over the shoulders of Disney artists at work and see where many
of your favorite films were created, including classics like "Beauty
and the Beast," "The Lion King," and "Mulan."
TOURING TIPS
The best time to see animators at their desks is between 10 a.m. and
5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. I have seen a few animators there at
other times, but most of them are gone in the evenings and on weekends.
Lines for this attraction can get quite long in the middle of the day
- if seeing the animators at work isn't important to you, you can get
in to the tour more quickly during the early morning or late afternoon.
Although there is a short film presentation at the start and conclusion,
there is a fair amount of walking on this tour, which takes 35 minutes
altogether.
During the question-and-answer session with the animator, you will either
be standing or sitting on the floor. Children should move toward the
front of the room to get a good view of the animator at work.
This attraction is wheelchair accessible. Guests using ECVs must transfer
to a wheelchair for this tour.
Assistive Listening Devices from Guest Services Can Be Used Here.
Reflective Captioning Available.
Restrooms and telephones are located to the left of the entrance to
the Animation Tour.
INTERESTING FACTS
Actor Robin Williams and former newsman Walter Cronkite star in the
9-minute film at the beginning of this tour.
The film featuring Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite was made in Anaheim,
California, not at the Disney-MGM Studios in Orlando.
Magic of Disney Animation
A look at how Disney animators work their magic is in store for you
at the Magic of Disney Animation. But this is more than just watching
animators at work here, you'll learn how animated features are produced.
The 30 minute tour opens with a walk through gallery of Disney animation
cels and a look at the Academy Awards that animators have collected
for their efforts. From the welcome center, guests are then led to the
theatre to view the introduction to the tour with a 8 minute film, "Back
to Neverland", starring the unlikely duo of Robin Williams and
Walter Cronkite.
The tour is an explanation of the production process. It goes through
the stages of character development, rough art animation, refining the
rough art to line drawings, development of background scenes, photocopying
them onto plastic, using ink and paint to finish the cels and finally,
photographing, compiling and editing these into the finished product.
You will see animators discussing their work in progress on overhead
monitors as well as getting a glimpse of a working studio where you
may get a sneak peek at a future Disney project.
TIP: To watch animators at work, it is best to go on weekdays during
business hours.
The tour concludes with film clips from animated Disney features. This
tour appeals more to adults than to younger children. Guests in ECVs
must be able to transfer to a wheelchair. For guests with hearing impairments,
Assistive Listening Devices are available at Guest Services. Deaf guests
can make use of Reflective Captioning, contact a Cast Member at the
entrance for assistance.
Description: This is a wonderful tour through a real animation studio.
Great fun and very informative. It's very interesting and educational.
Location: ANIMATION COURTYARD
Guests with any mobility concerns should enter through the standard
queue. Guests using EVCs will need to transfer to a standard wheelchair
that will be provided upon request by the cast member at the building
entrance. Due to the nature of the experience, this attraction can only
accommodate a limited number of guests using wheelchairs per tour. Contact
a cast member for additional assistance.
Show Time- 45-minute guided tours. |
